Respite Foster Care
Every child needs consistency, care and connection, and that continues even when their regular foster family takes time away. As a respite carer, you'll provide short periods of care that make a lasting difference. Whether it's for a weekend, a few days in the holidays, or even overnight, you'll be offering a safe place to belong and the chance to be part of a child's ongoing story of stability and healing.
What is respite Foster Care?
A short-term solution with long-term impact
For the child, it's a chance to experience a consistent, nurturing environment with someone they've come to know and trust. Even a few nights of care can have a lasting impact - supporting placement stability and strengthening everyone involved.
How respite care supports foster families
Role of a respite foster carer
Responsibilities and expectations
Types of care you may provide
Often respite carers are paired with the same child or family for ongoing support, building trust over time. Children may be any age, though many are of primary school age.
Who can become a respite carer?
Eligibility and requirements
You don't need special qualifications to be a respite foster carer.
If you're over 21, in good health, and able to provide a safe, stable home, you may be eligible. Carers come from all walks of life - singles, couples, families. What matters most is your willingness to open your heart and home.
Application and assessment process
The process is thorough but supportive. It includes training, interviews and a home safety check. We're here to walk with you each step of the way.
Common myths about respite care
Support and training for respite carers
Training and ongoing guidance
You'll receive comprehensive training prior to your first placement, including trauma-informed care. Our training is practical, flexible and designed to build your confidence and skills.
Financial support
Respite carers receive an allowance to cover the cost of food, activities and other daily needs during each placement.
Emergency support and resources
You'll have the support of a case manager and the 24/7 on call service, as well as connections to Anglicare's wider community of carers, churches and services.
How to get started with respite Foster Care
Taking the next steps with Anglicare
You can begin by exploring more about respite foster care in a way that suits you. Some people like to attend an information session, while others prefer a one-on-one conversation with our team. However you choose to start, we'll be here to guide you through each step of the application process
Matching you with the right child
We take time to understand you - your preferences, experience and comfort level - so we can match you with children who'll thrive in your care, even for a short stay.
Talk to our friendly team about respite care.
FAQs about respite Foster Care
Explore Different Types of Foster Care
Every child's situation is different, which means foster care can take many forms. From providing a safe home for a short time to offering longer-term stability and support, each type of foster care meets a different need. Explore the foster care options available through Anglicare to discover what might be the right fit for your household.
Short-term Foster Care
Provide a safe place for a season.
Short-term carers offer children stability and care while Anglicare works with their families toward restoration or a long-term plan.
Long-term Foster Care
Provide a safe place to grow up.
When children can't return to their birth families, long-term carers offer love, stability, and the security every child needs to flourish.
Crisis Foster Care
Crisis carers provide immediate, short-term foster care for children who cannot stay in their home due to urgent safety concerns. You may be contacted at short notice, including after hours. This type of care can last a few days or up to three months.
Kinship Care
Kinship care places children with relatives or close family friends. These arrangements offer familiarity and connection during difficult times. Anglicare supports both new and existing kinship carers to help children stay connected to their culture and community.
Inspired by the gospel of reconciliation in Jesus Christ, Anglicare's vision for reconciliation is a nation in which Australia's First Peoples are restored in dignity, respect, empowerment and opportunity.